In the early 90s, local author Fred Wert wrote a book for The Mountaineers called Bakeries by Bicycle. It’s long out of print, and many of the Seattle bakeries he referenced are long out of business. But the idea of outdoor play with a break for sweet treats is still worth pursuing! In the spirit of fun and food, here’s a list of Seattle parks with bakeries a block or two away. From north to south:
Green Lake Park (Green Lake)
If you’re near the wading pool on the north end of the lake, cross the street to Urban Bakery (7850 East Green Lake Dr. N) which calls itself an “unfussy” place when it comes to baked goods. For the health conscious, from the community center cross East Green Lake Drive N. and walk one block to the small but scrumptious Jodee’s Desserts for organic pie slices, cookies, and more that are gluten-, grain- and refined-sugar free (7214 Woodlawn Ave NE).
Woodland Park (Phinney Ridge)
On the northwest corner of Woodland Park at N. 59th and Phinney Avenue N. is A la Mode Pies, offering savory and sweet pies, quiche, and pie by the slice. Two blocks north of that on 61st and Phinney, Fresh Flours offers breakfast pastries & Japanese-inspired treats, plus sandwiches & salads (and gluten free options).
Gas Works Park (Wallingford/Fremont)
A well-known artisan boulangerie, Essential Bakery Café features locally sourced organic breakfast and lunch, and many kinds of pastries, including gluten free. Walk a block up Densmore from the northwest corner of the park and you’re just about there (1604 N 34th St.).
East Queen Anne Playground (Queen Anne)
Le Reve serves breakfast, baked goods, and sandwiches at 1805 Queen Anne Avenue N. And one of the Cupcake Royale stores is up the street at 1935 Queen Anne Ave N.
Madison Park (Madison Park)
If you like old fashioned donuts, cookies, pastries and cakes, Madison Park Bakery is at the northwest end of Madison Park at 4214 E. Madison St., and should be on your list to visit.
Kinnear Park (Queen Anne)
On the northwest border of Kinnear Park at 1030 Elliott Ave W., Fuji Bakery makes amazing artisanal Japanese & French breads, pastries & quiches, using organic ingredients.
Washington Park Playfield (Denny-Blaine/Arboretum)
For French-baked goods, macrons, and café fare, Belle Epicurean is a must-visit near the southeast exit of the Playfield (the southern end of the Washington Park Arboretum) at 3109 E Madison St.
Adams Street Boat Ramp (Columbia City)
Known for their savory biscuits and breakfasts, Both Ways Café has a large local following and serves up coffee cakes, sweet rolls, and other pastries with down-home flavor and style. At 4922 S Genesee St., not far from Genesee Park and Playfield as well.
Othello Playground (Beacon Hill/New Holly)
A block west at the corner of MLK and S. Othello, Le’s Deli & Bakery is a quick-bite spot with not only yummy pastries but Vietnamese noodle bowls and sandwiches. At 4219 S Othello.
Alki Beach (West Seattle)
In the middle of the long commercial stretch that parallels Alki is one of 8 Top Pot donut shops in Seattle. You know the drill. (2758 Alki Ave SW.)
Fauntleroy Park (West Seattle)
A few blocks down the Barton St. hill from the park, The Original Bakery has been handmaking donuts, breads, and classic pastries since 1936. It’s a nice stop on the way to the Vashon ferry too! (9253 45th Ave SW)